If you’ve been hoping to take advantage of the mild fall, winter, and spring weather here in Orlando, FL, one of the best options is to remodel your backyard to create something comfortable and fun. Not only does a remodel make homeowners’ property values grow in many cases, benefiting them when they go to sell their home, but it also creates an easy-to-access source of fun when things are hectic in the rest of town. Here are four good options for both boosting home values and gathering a crowd for a fun outdoor gathering.
Image by Anja
Build a Wooden Patio
If you know your backyard hasn’t traditionally been a place to gather, a wooden patio can be the way to go. Whether lifted off the ground due to the grade and slope of your lawn or flush with the ground, a wooden patio makes a space more conducive to entertaining or can be a place to relax in the sun, read a book, or eat a meal. Keeping the patio under shade can make it even more inviting and more likely to be the favorite hangout during a party or other evening of entertaining.
Build a Permanent Outdoor Fireplace
While Orlando has plenty of heat to spare, there’s something really wonderful and community-building about gathering around a fire. The trend in homes lately, according to experienced real estate agents, is to add a permanent outdoor fireplace, possibly with a stone pedestal, a wooden surrounding deck, and furniture surrounding it to stay comfy. Sitting around a fire is no longer just for camping in the woods, but is instead a way to enjoy an evening cocktail and conversation with friends. These spaces also add a little warmth on cool nights, light as the sun sets, and a chance to sit in companionable silence and watch the flames.
Add a Screened Room to an Existing Deck
If you’re sick of the buggy nature of certain Florida months, a great in-between rather than just indoors and outdoors is to add a screened room. This kind of covered porch is fully screened to keep the unwelcome visitors out but also allows the warm air, sea breezes, and sounds of the outdoors in, giving you much of the comfort of being outside but with a little bit of shade and comfort. Deck furniture tends to weather less inside a screen room too, and it can create a nice calm spot to talk during a party too.
Add a Hot Tub/Spa
If you don’t have one already, a nice hot tub in the backyard can be a wonderful relaxation station during the cooler months of the year. If you do an in-ground spa, it can increase property value if you go to sell your home in the future, but of course, the primary benefit is the fun and comfort it can bring to you and your family in the meantime. Don’t be surprised if your guest lists for parties get longer once you’ve got a hot tub, spa, or pool in the backyard – the party may now be willing to come to you rather than you having to leave home!
